Avalon Cruise Map

click map to enlarge

Avalon Waterways German Grandeur – Eastbound (WZN)

11 days Basel to Munich

Your picturesque river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach, with your choice of a guided tour of charming Colmar, or an excursion to the Black Forest. Sail to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic Main river village on your way to Würzburg. Take a guided tour of Bamberg, before reaching Nuremberg to disembark for two nights in Munich. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle, and visit the mountain village of Oberammergau—known for its once-a-decade production of the Passion Play.Your grand scenic cruise of Germany brings the beauty and charm of its cities and villages to life. From Switzerland to Bavaria and beyond, your German vacation will stay a beautiful memory for years to come!

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception Day 2 Breisach. Excursion to Black Forest: choice of excursion to Black Forest, or guided tour in Colmar Day 3 Strasbourg: guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 4 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Boppard: choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim; special treat; scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; time at leisure in BoppardDay 5 Frankfurt: choice of guided tour in Frankfurt, or guided tour in SeligenstadtDay 6 Main River Village: guided walking tour Day 7 Würzburg: guided tour, visit to the Bishop’s ResidenzDay 8 Bamberg: guided tour, see the Old Town HallDay 9 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Munich: guided tour in Nuremberg; transfer to Munich Day 10 Munich: choice of guided tour of Munich, or full day excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle and the Bavarian village of OberammergauDay 11 Munich: your vacation ends this morning

Special Interest Departures

08/14/2019 - German Grandeur for Beer Enthusiasts

Related Avalon Tours

Itinerary (2019)

Day 1

BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

Day 2

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO THE BLACK FOREST

History, Artistry, and the Beautiful Black ForestCLASSIC Visit the charming village of Colmar on a Guided Tour of its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, OR: DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional Bavarian butter-making demonstration.Follow your visit to Colmar with a free afternoon in Breisach. Take a bike from the ship, or walk among the pastel-painted houses above the Rhine. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 3

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Gothic Cathedral, Heavenly Time, and Dreamy French Wine ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an early Morning Walk. CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.Explore on your own along tree-lined streets with gingerbread-style houses reminiscent of Brothers Grimm within the very modern city of the European Parliament.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)

Day 4

RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY—RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Take a Morning Hike up the vine-clad hillside with your Avalon Adventure Host, then ride the cable car down for breathtaking views, OR:DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience, OR: ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards.DISCOVERY Based on your departure date, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.BOPPARD A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge Take a free afternoon to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment before sailing to Frankfurt.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)

Day 5

FRANKFURT

Culture, Commerce, and Charm in FrankfurtCLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE(B,L,D)

Day 6

MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)

Day 7

WÜRZBURG

A Pearl, a Painting, and a Glass of Wine for the Perfect Afternoon CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 8

BAMBERG

One Thousand Years of History in the City of Seven HillsCLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)

Day 9

NUREMBERG—MUNICH (DISEMBARKATION)

Living Heritage and History LessonsCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Nuremberg with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle.Tonight, you’ll stay in Munich to enjoy its nightlife, elegant cuisine, and to relax for tomorrow’s adventures.(B)

Day 10

MUNICH

Modern Munich with Storybook Villages and Fairytale CastlesCLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour to the garden landscape of the Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle—the historic home of King Ludwig. Continue on to Oberammergau—the storybook Bavarian village famous for its once-a-decade Passion Play, OR:CLASSIC Take a half-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.Take some free time today to stroll this pedestrian and bike-friendly city to see the famous Glockenspiel, outdoor cafés, or the Bavarian Biergärten for authentic brews.(B)

Day 11

MUNICH

Your vacation ends this morning with breakfast.(B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Gateway city for arrivals is ZürichPort charges:$208Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Zürich:in single room from $185 to $349, in twin room from $120 to $208Extra nights per person in Munich:in single room from $341 to $643, in twin room from $201 to $352All prices per person based on double occupancy. Cruise price based on Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. See below for upgrade pricing.To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:Category / Decks / PriceD / Indigo Deck / $227B / Sapphire Deck / $1313A / Sapphire Deck / $1370P / Royal Deck / $1485Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $2513NOTES:

Special Interest Cruise: Beer Tasting August 14.

Avalon Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.

Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.